Doulas of the Roundtable

Doulas of the Roundtable episodes:

• 06.20.2024

  Episode 138: Working with Independent Contractors

  Navigating the challenges of working with independent contractors as an agency owner is no small feat. Your agency's reputation, especially your own, hinges on contractors doing their jobs well. Many owners feel compelled to control contractor performance to ensure the...

  
• 06.06.2024

  Episode 137: Doula Musings

  In this episode, we discuss recent events that have come to our attention and give our thoughts and feedback. A recent case that has gained national traction involves the passing of a mother and baby. What can we do as...

  
• 05.22.2024

  Episode 136: Navigating the Unexpected

  As a doula, navigating unexpected situations will become a part of our work. Perhaps a client who has a premature baby. Or those whose labors begin and progress too quickly to get to their chosen birth location. Thinking on our...

  
• 05.09.2024

  Episode 135: Transitions in Birth Work

  For many birth workers, where they enter this work is not the same place where they wind up. For example, some may enter this work providing labor support. Yet they may find once they have their own children, that postpartum...

  
• 04.25.2024

  Episode 134: Fear of Birth

  As doulas, it's not uncommon to encounter individuals with a fear of birth. This fear can be rooted in many sources. First, the way in which TV represents birth. Second, the stories our friends and family share; and third, an...

  
• 04.11.2024

  Episode 133: Doula Mistakes

  Doula mistakes come in all shapes and sizes. We're human, so it's understandable that mistakes will happen. Some mistakes will be unavoidable and only discovered through trial and error. Others can be avoided. Common mistakes include a lack of effective...

  
• 03.28.2024

  Episode 132: Doula Beginnings

  One of the most common questions we hear is, "How do we navigate the question of how many clients we have supported when we first start out?"  The question "How many births have you attended?" Or "How many families have...

  
• 03.14.2024

  Episode 131: Supporting Single Parents

  Supporting single parents through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period looks different than supporting those who are partnered. How we approach labor or postpartum support with an unpartnered parent will look different.  Many factors will be different when planning for...

  
• 02.29.2024

  Episode 130: Finding the Evidence

  As birth professionals, providing evidence-based information to our clients is essential. However, it's not uncommon to wonder where to find quality research. Knowing how to read and interpret the evidence is also a skill that takes time and discernment. The...

  
• 02.15.2024

  Episode 129: Vulvar Cancer

  According to the American Cancer Society, vulvar cancer accounts for 6% of all cancers of the female reproductive organs. Over 1600 individuals will die from vulvar cancer per year. Cancers of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries are far more well-known,...

  
• 02.01.2024

  Episode 128: Advanced Maternal Age

  Advanced maternal age is defined as a pregnant individual who is 35 years of age or older at the estimated due date or date of delivery. Pregnancy at or beyond this age is considered a risk factor for adverse outcomes...

  
• 01.18.2024

  Episode 127: Combination Feeding

  Combination feeding is one of many approaches families choose when feeding their baby. It may be the plan from the start. Or, clients may find themselves settling into combination feeding due to postpartum challenges. Some parents may feel that taking...

  
• 01.03.2024

  Episode 126: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

  Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders impact 15-21% of pregnant and postpartum individuals, according to the National Institute of Health. As birth professionals, it is likely that you will encounter a client who experiences a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy...

  
• 12.21.2023

  Episode: 125 Season 5 Wrap Up

  It's been a busy, amazing year of growth, learning, and success. Here we are again at the end of another amazing season. Looking back over the past year, it's always fun to see our most popular episodes and share our...

  
• 12.07.2023

  Episode 124: Website Essentials

  When it comes to your website, there are a few website essentials that you should be sure to include. There are also common traps that you should avoid. Your website is the virtual storefront of your business. Often, it will...

  
• 11.22.2023

  Episode 123: Virtual vs. In Person Trainings

  Choosing between virtual or in-person training is one of the first choices often made when considering the many pathways to becoming a doula. Both formats offer pros and cons to learners. Which format may work best for you will depend...

  
• 11.10.2023

  Episode 122: Supporting The Third Stage

  The methods of support provided during the third stage of labor are many. How the third stage progresses will determine the type of support appropriate for each client. Assistance with bonding, the initiation of breastfeeding, and supporting a client through...

  
• 10.27.2023

  Episode 121: Understanding Birth Related Trauma

  Understanding birth-related trauma is an essential skill for all individuals who work in the perinatal field. The fundamental definition of trauma is: a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. When working with birthing or newly postpartum families, we may encounter clients...

  
• 10.12.2023

  Episode 120: Expectations vs Realities in Doula Work

  The expectations vs the realities of doula work can be vast. Many people consider entering this work, thinking it will be sunshine and rainbows. Experiencing birth and cuddling babies is often high on these lists. One of the very first...

  
• 09.29.2023

  Episode 119: The Value of Childbirth Education

  Childbirth education is a way for pregnant individuals to learn about the process of birth and what options may exist. It does this through expelling fear and increasing knowledge. In addition, it teaches pregnant people how to advocate for their...

  
• 09.11.2023

  Episode 118: Supporting Pushing

  For many, the pushing phase of labor is an exciting yet scary part of the labor process. Many individuals have concerns or fears surrounding the pushing phase of labor. From tearing to their infant's safety, a doula is needed for...

  
• 08.31.2023

  Episode 117: Agency Interviews

  We often see questions among doulas about agency interviews. There are a lot of specific questions about what to expect and what questions to ask the agency. Each agency will have specific questions that they feel are important to ask....

  
• 08.17.2023

  Episode 116: Benefits of Placenta Services

  There are many benefits to adding placenta services as a part of the services you offer. While there is a benefit to the clients who utilize this service, there are also benefits to those who offer it. Processing the placenta...

  
• 08.02.2023

  Episode 115: Client Conversations

  Learning how to initiate and lead conversations between prospective clients and clients is an essential skill in doula work. Yet at times, doulas often feel unsure about what to ask or how to keep the client conversations going. Beyond the...

  
• 07.20.2023

  Episode 114: Supporting Active Labor

  There are many facets to consider when supporting a client through active labor. This stage of labor is often an opportunity to become more physically active and present in client support. However, it is also important to remember to alternate...

  
• 07.06.2023

  Episode 113: Free Samples

  A common inquiry in many online doula communities is where to find free samples to give to clients.  While it's likely true that most people love a freebie, are they actually free? Many individuals don't consider the cost of their...

  
• 06.22.2023

  Episode 112: Continuing Education

  As birth professionals, education surrounding the perinatal period is an ongoing process. While it is impossible to learn everything about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, countless opportunities are available to expand your knowledge base. But how do you decide which topics...

  
• 06.08.2023

  Episode 111: Social Media Boundaries

  Undoubtedly, social media plays a big role in our lives and how we communicate with the world. Social media platforms have become a big part of marketing products and services. Learning how to navigate social media as a business owner...

  
• 05.23.2023

  Episode 110: The Value of Doula Work

  When we think about the value of doula work, we must consider two perspectives—the perspective of the doula and the client's perspective. Before a doula can successfully market their services, they must understand their value to potential clients. While the...

  
• 05.11.2023

  Episode 109: Supporting Early Labor

  Supporting early labor is a necessary skill for labor doulas. Yet many doulas may not know how to approach early labor from a mindset of patience vs the instinct to try to move labor along. Early labor can be a...

  
• 04.27.2023

  Episode 108: Navigating Doula Fees and Payments

  One of the more challenging aspects of becoming a doula is navigating doula fees and payments. One of the most common decisions is how to take payment for the services you will provide. There is a tendency for doulas to...

  
• 04.11.2023

  Episode 107: Supporting Transitional Labor

  Transitional labor is the third phase of the first stage of labor. It is also considered the most challenging phase of labor, especially for those giving birth without pain medication. During the transition phase of labor, contractions occur every 1-2...

  
• 03.31.2023

  Episode 106: Doula Professionalism

  Professionalism has many definitions, and how one exhibits doula professionalism in their doula work will vary. We believe that professionalism means that we embody integrity and accountability, responsibly conduct ourselves, and always present the best versions of ourselves in our...

  
• 03.15.2023

  Episode 105: Poverty Mindset

  The poverty mindset is common in doula work. According to Alan Weiss: "A poverty mentality is one that influences behaviors consistent with beliefs that money shouldn't be spent, opportunities are limited, any risk at all is dangerous, any success is...

  
• 03.03.2023

  Episode 104: Supporting Client Decisions

  As doulas supporting client decisions plays a key role in our care. While there are many approaches to this side of our work, there are also many potential barriers. One of the most prominent barriers is the bias that birth...

  
• 02.16.2023

  Episode 103: Doula Agency Myths

  When it comes to the ins and outs of how a doula agency works, many myths exist. The truth is, there are many perks to working with a doula agency. For many, the team approach creates a desirable environment where...

  
• 02.02.2023

  Episode 102: Doula Self Care

  As doulas, we often give so much of ourselves as we help families navigate labor and the postpartum period. Yet self-care as a doula is often something that falls along the wayside. We often work with clients at their most...

  
• 01.19.2023

  Episode 101: Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

  Prelabor rupture of membranes or PROM is defined as the spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac without contractions for an hour or more after the 37th week of pregnancy.  Premature prelabor rupture of membranes or PPROM, is the spontaneous rupture...

  
• 01.05.2023

  Episode 100: Stripping Membranes

  Stripping membranes or membrane sweep is a common intervention performed in the final weeks of pregnancy. While this may seem like a simple intervention, it is important for clients to understand what they may experience. Stripping of the amniotic membranes...

  
• 12.21.2022

  Episode 99: Season Four Wrap-Up

  Once again, we have come to the end of another fantastic season. We are honored to share yet another year with you, talking about the work we love. We can feel the love and passion that you have for the...

  
• 11.30.2022

  Episode 98: Business Resources

  Few birth workers enter the profession thinking that they are starting a business. However, many soon realize that understanding business means finding business resources tailored specifically to our unique work. A wise person once said, "Do not take advice from...

  
• 11.22.2022

  Episode 97: The Well-Rounded Doula

  In the doula community, there is often a line of demarcation between "new" doulas and "seasoned doulas." Yet no clear line exists that determines when one is no longer considered new. So the question is, when does one become an...

  
• 11.11.2022

  Episode 96: The Due Date Dilemma

  One of the most common questions amongst labor doulas surrounds due dates. Should I take two clients due on the same date? What is the optimal spacing between clients? Is it better to take clients due further apart or closer...

  
• 10.27.2022

  Episode 95: Doula Business Chat

  Becoming a doula means that you are starting a business. Many doulas overlook this first step. Or this information is not a big part of their doula training.  Understanding the ins and outs of starting a business is important. Creating...

  
• 10.14.2022

  Episode 94: How to Know When to Go

  Doulas new to labor support have a common question; "How will I Know when it's time to go?"   Doula clients often have a version of the same question; "How will we know when to go?" The answers to these questions...

  
• 09.29.2022

  Episode 93: Doula Consults

  On the surface, the difference between a doula consult vs. a doula interview seems virtually nonexistent. However, the intentions behind each can be vastly different. Depending on where a doula trains, an interview may be where a doula decides if...

  
• 09.15.2022

  Episode 92: Exploring Doula Bias

  As doulas and humans, it is inherent that we bring bias into our work. Yet, at the same time, providing non-biased, non-judgmental support is a hallmark of the support we provide to the families we work with. The first step...

  
• 08.31.2022

  Episode 91: Supporting Precipitous Labor

  Supporting precipitous labor is a skill that, for many doulas, is learned in real-time. Precipitous labor is labor that ends 3-5 hours after the onset of labor.  On average, 1 in 3 of every 100 birthing people will experience precipitous...

  
• 08.19.2022

  Episode 90: Community Referrals

  As a birth worker, networking and developing a community referral list are important to your work.  Those new to the field often wonder how to begin. Another common question is what services should be included on a referral list.  No...

  
• 08.04.2022

  Episode 89: Partner Support Postpartum

  Partner support during the postpartum period is one topic we don't see discussed often. Yet, for the partner, having a baby and learning to parent is an equally transformative experience. Partners experience the birth in a different way than the...